Five stand-out and distinctively quirky songs from the fabulous 1980s

Unusual can encompass various meanings, frequently serving as a more polite term to describe something peculiar or out of the ordinary. In musical terms, it can signify several aspects. In this particular article, however, it does not refer to a collection of frivolous or novelty records. Instead, these five tracks are a continuation from a selection I discussed earlier in the 1970s. Despite their serious undertones, there is an element of enjoyment woven into each one.

I’m paying attention to songs that offer a unique twist in their sound, meaning, lyrics, and delivery or performance. These tracks are quite peculiar compared to the typical pop hits dominating the charts, making them strikingly different from the mainstream.

Here are five songs from the 1980s that immediately come to mind when I think of unique tunes. Each one possesses at least one remarkable feature, often more. I believe they would pass the test of time, and even though they may not have been popular recently, they remain worth revisiting.

Five distinctively quirky 1980s songs

Kirsty MacColl – “There’s A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis”

Title provides the main idea. Composed jointly by Kirsty MacColl and Phillip Rambow, this piece is an outstanding illustration of MacColl’s diverse song collection and the playful, sometimes humorous qualities that characterize her lyrics.

Currently, the title might seem unusual and amusing, but it’s not just a whimsical song. Upon listening to the lyrics, you’ll discover a story about a woman who is cautious of a man she has reservations about. The execution is clever, with a rock-infused, rapid tempo, and a country-inspired melody as its core. There’s some fantastic guitar work in there, as well as MacColl’s distinctive voice.

1981 saw the release of her first solo album, “Desperate Characters,” which included the single. Interestingly, this album also features a country-influenced version of the track. As a side note, the US version of the title was altered slightly to ‘Truck Stop,’ replacing ‘Chip Shop.’

Falco – “Rock Me Amadeus”

Back in 1985, I, as a gamer born way back then, was rocking out to a tune that stood out from the crowd – “Rock Me Amadeus” by Falco. This track was more than just a catchy beat; it was a quirky, unique anthem that perfectly fit its label. Now, let me tell you a bit about the man behind the music. Falco, whose real name was Johann Holzel, hailed from Austria – the very land that gave us the legendary Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whom this song was inspired by.

What made this tune truly extraordinary was its groundbreaking achievement: it became the first German-language song to top the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. Can you imagine that? A German language track ruling the airwaves in the U.S! That’s what I, as a music lover, found pretty amazing back then and still do today.

It might seem like “Rock Me Amadeus” is connected to the soundtrack of the 1984 movie “Amadeus“, given its theme about Mozart’s life and music. However, this song wasn’t actually included in the film. Instead, Falco was inspired to write it after watching the movie.

This song has a catchy electro rhythm that’s hard to resist, with hints of 1980s new wave and a dash of rap. The German lyrics might seem unusual if you don’t speak the language, but they contribute to its unique style. The chorus line is the main hook, backed by a persistent beat. It’s a tune that sticks in your head long after you’ve heard it. To top it off, the music video is quite eccentric, just like the song itself.

Thomas Dolby – “She Blinded Me with Science”

Prior to releasing this single in late 1982, Thomas Dolby had already played his synthesizer for various bands and made appearances on their albums. This might seem surprising when you listen to his song, considering he was part of Foreigner’s “Foreigner 4”, Joan Armatrading’s “Walk Under Ladders”, and Def Leppard’s “Pyromania”. However, his style in these projects is quite distinct from this particular single.

The song ‘She Blinded Me With Science’ showcases Dolby and his synth prominently. It’s a clever blend of electronic pop music with a narrative that might not be easily decipherable, given its title. The video includes Magnus Pyke, a well-known eccentric scientist popular on British television at the time, which fits perfectly with the quirky tune.

The hit song catapulted Dolby to fame in the U.S., earning him the title of one-hit wonder for that specific track among Americans. However, it’s worth noting that he also achieved success with other songs, such as “Hyperactive.” In fact, Dolby boasts a vast and diverse collection of fantastic tunes that are definitely worth exploring. This 1980s artist has been overlooked and deserves much more recognition than he has received thus far.

Murray Head – “One Night in Bangkok”

The idea for “Chess,” a musical, originated from a collaborative effort between Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Bjorn Ulvaeus, who are known for their work in stage musicals and as members of ABBA. By blending these two distinct talents, they brought “Chess” to life, a unique piece that revolved around an upcoming chess match and the vibrant nightlife scene in Bangkok where it was set.

The style was somewhat unconventional, resembling a musical number in an unusual way. It blended big, edgy rock, pop, orchestration, a flute solo, and a rap segment by Murray Head, creating a truly unique mix. This eclectic combination proved successful on the charts, peaking at number 12 in the UK, reaching as high as third place on the US Billboard Hot 100, and becoming a top ten hit in numerous other countries.

Men Without Hats – “The Safety Dance”

In this article, we’ve got another catchy new wave song featuring an offbeat video that maintains the song’s quirky vibe. As the legend goes, the title and lyrics have a connection to the lead singer, Ivan Doroschuk, being kicked out of nightclubs. His energetic pogo dancing on the dance floor was considered risky and resulted in some premature departures from these clubs. This song can be seen as a subtle protest and humorous commentary on the importance of safety while dancing.

The song has an uncommon feel, accentuated by Doroachuk’s slightly peculiar vocal style. Underpinned by a recurring beat and somewhat awkward sound effects, it quickly became catchy and stuck in one’s head as a tune. Despite being categorized as a one-hit wonder for this track, the band had much more to showcase. This song resonated strongly in the early ’80s and provided an enjoyable, unique listening experience. Check out their video for additional quirky aspects in the song’s visual presentation.

2025-03-11 13:00